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Friday, April 24, 2009

It's So Hard

It's so hard when your buddy is getting old, frail, and unhappy. Look at that face. Who could resist those soft eyes and that gentle gaze. She's the best dog. Fudge had her worse day yet. She couldn't get up this morning. When she finally got on her feet, she simply looked at me and didn't move. I coaxed her outside and helped her back in. She snuck upstairs to be with me in the studio. She stayed all day and didn't move. She didn't move when I left or when I came back. She shouldn't have tackled those stairs, but she did. I kept thinking, hoping she'd snap out of it. At dinner I coaxed her down. She took it one section at a time and then rested. We made it outside, and she sat in the grass next to me, leaning on me for support. We sat for a long time and then I coaxed her into the house. She threw up and stood again with her tail between her legs and looked at me with sad eyes.

She's sleeping now. We're heading for the vet in the morning. She hates to go to the vet. I don't want morning to come. I don't want to go either. It's so hard.

127 comments:

Oh Jacquie, I am so sorry. I have a black lab that is in similar shape...I will pray for a peaceful time for Fudge...She looks like such a sweetheart and I know has been a great source of comfort for you. Blessings.

I am so very sorry. I know the pain you are in and no words can make it better. But it is easy to tell that she loves you and knows you will do whatever is best for her. My thoughts will be with you tomorrow morning.

Oh, I am glad you shared about fudge, getting old is hard. I am praying for the two of you tomorrow. I never cease being so impressed over their devotion, going upstairs just to be with you. I am sorry for the sadness, glad you have her today.

Jacquie, I'm so sorry to hear about your dear Fudge. I know that it's hard, but Fudge trusts you to do what's best. You will have wonderful memories of all the great times shared. Hang on to those. You are all in my prayers.

Jacquie... I can't bear to read anyone's comments... I am holding back tears as it is... I truely understand your pain... my Miss Molly is almost 14 and we are dealing with her heart problems and the inevitable down the track...I know how hard it is and nothing anyone says or does will ever make it any better... Thinking of you and yours... Lx

My heart is with you. It's amazing how our pets wiggle their way into our hearts and become family. Their hearts are pure and their love unwavering. No wonder it's so hard to say goodbye. I'll think of you tomorrow, let all of these heartfelt wishes wrap you in a huge hug.

Oh, Jacquie, it's Saturday morning and my tears are flowing for your dear Fudge. I am hopeful that all the thoughts and prayers of your friends will give you the strength to make the right decision so your baby will have no more pain. Let us all cherish the time we have with those we love.

Oh, Jacquie, I am so sorry. The tears are just flowing down my cheeks right now, because I know what you're going through. It's the right thing to do, but that doesn't make it any easier. Hugs to you and Fudge.

She's a lovely girl and looks like your heart dog. I also recall some of your earlier posts that mentioned her. She is special and you can know that even from this side of the laptop. I know it is hard when they get to this point. You have given her a wonderful life and much comfort and love. How sweet that she went up those stairs. What a darling she is.

There really aren't any words I can share that will make it better. You might remember that I went through something similar in November. I am comforted now looking back that I did what I thought was best for Jack - even if it might not have been what was best for me. Also, I had a chance to say goodbye (as did the whole family) and I found it helpful to be with him when he drifted off - it was peaceful and seeing that he wasn't in pain really helped me with closure. Good luck this morning. I know you'll make the right choice for your family and I'll be thinking of you.

Your situation reminds me of my beloved lab when she grew older. We would help her down the outside stairs, even to the point of carrying her up and down. She would get settled in before we went to work and would be in the same place when we returned home later in the day. It was so difficult to see her struggling but difficult for us to consider the alternative. I agree with Amy's comment, we had a chance to say goodbye as a family and it was quiet and peaceful. Good luck, I'll be thinking about you today...Kathy

I am so sorry my friend. I thought about what to write here for a long time. I have a dog, Abbey, that I love with all my heart and soul. She had me at our first hello. I thought about what I will do when she finally looks at me with her big brown eyes, telling me it's time. There are so many wonderful ways these animals show us they love us. Being excited when we come home like we've been gone weeks. Laying a soft head on our leg when we are sad. Staying by our side when we don't feel well. Keeping us safe at night. I think that when their time with us is at an end, the most wonderful way we can thank them for a lifetime of service and devotion is to rub their soft silky heads all the while telling them "Good dog" while the vet helps them over the Rainbow Bridge. You will be in my thoughts tomorrow.Dawn

Oh, Fudgey. When our chocolate lab was fading, I was in college. For some reason my parents were just lazy about taking care of her, so when I'd come home to visit every few months, I'd give her a bath. One of those times, she just couldn't make it up the stairs anymore, so I had to take her outside for a hose bath (not fun). She got nervous and pooed and sat in it, and I just felt so bad, and I'm sure she did too. She couldn't help it. It's just so heartbreaking when they want to take care of you and they get so old they can't take care of the simple things for themselves.

There's no doubt Fudge loves you soooo much...she tackled the stairs just to be with you. So sweet.

You are such an inspiration to all us here and it hurts so much to see you in pain. I have a golden retriever that I see aging before my eyes and can't imagine having to face what you are facing today. You all will be my prayers today. I have loved seeing the photos and stories you've posted of Fudge and they have brought smiles to all of us over time.

So sorry Jacquie! We went through the same thing with our beloved golden retriever about a year ago. We knew it wasn't good when he stayed in the same spot in the front yard all day long. Sending hugs your way.

My thoughts are with you Jacquie. I have a dog who is only 18 months but I love him so much I thnk how wonderful life has been with him, I couldn't imagine not having him. Do what is right for him, he has lived a wonderful life with caring, trusting parents and he deserves to suffer no pain or discomfort, but to be let go when the time is right.

Just two weeks ago we had to put our beloved dog of 9 years to sleep. It was painful and horrible but I told my daughter that our dog relies on us to make these kind of tough decisions for her. She had become paralyzed in her back legs and was incontinent and just plain miserable. We helped her for several weeks but finally we knew there was no hope of her getting better. We made sure that her last day was a good one-luckily the sun was shining and we carried her outside and put her on a fluffy comforter with a juicy bone and she basked in the warmth. A sedative helped with any fear she had of going to the vet.I hope your appointment tomorrow goes as well as possible. Tricia

Jacquie, I know how sad you must be and how difficult it is to take that trip to the vet. I had to make the same trip with my dear kitty last fall and it was a so tough. I hope you are feeling at peace with your trip today. My prayers are with you. Debbie

I will keep you and Fudge in my thoughts. I have a faithful friend like that. We were away last night and she stayed with my mum and dad, but we had car trouble and it was too late to pick her up tonight. I will be over there first thing in the morning, the house is just not the same without her. How lovely for Fudge to have you who cares so much.

There's nothing I can say that others have not already said / written. I've been through that w/ 2 dogs and know that Odin will be look to me when the time comes. Give Fudge a big hug from me and Odin. You're in our prayers....whatever happens know that Fudge believes in you and knows that you have her best interests at heart.

My family have always had cats and dogs and they become a part of the family. Their ageing and illnesses affect everyone in the family and I do understand how you feel at this time. My heart goes out to you and your family.xx

I am SO sorry to hear about Fudge. Tomorrow will come too soon for you, I remember as I had to take my best friend of 18 years to the vet too. My cat Rimshot. I have 5 cats now and I still miss her every day (it's been 8 years ago now. I held her as they gave her the injection because I wanted the last thing she saw (and smelled) to be me. You and Fudge will be in my prayers tonight. She will be waiting on the Rainbow bridge for you!

Jacquie, I am just getting around to catching up on my blog reading... I am so sorry about your sweet Fudge, and hope that it is nothing serious. You know that I know how heartbreaking this process is... you are both in my thoughts and prayers. xo Victoria

I'm sad too. My babydog, Jack went to doggie Heaven last year. I miss him so much. But I know God doesn't create life without also creating a Heaven just for them. This I believe. You and Fudge are in my thoughts. Hugs, Amie

I know you closed the comments on the next post, but I just wanted you to know I feel for you. I had to put our cat of 10years down a couple weeks ago (I had him cremated and he is back at home with us now) and pets truly are a member of your family and when they pass there is a void that no other person or pet can fill. They have their own personality and individuality. I took my cat for granted quite often and only after he was gone did I realize how much he was around, and I miss him terribly. I hope you find comfort knowing his last days were spent with the family and people he loved the most. You do not need to reply to this comment, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

From France, thoughts to you and to your Fudgie. I did not know your blog and Saturday I discovered this beautiful and so full of Love picture of Fudgie and I read your words and I had tears. And this morning Fudgie is in the Rainbow Bridge with my so beloved Heidi BUT FOREVER their love for us are in our hearts.A lot of couragemarie

My prayers are with you. I know you and Fudge had a wonderful friendship and I know you will see her again. May the memories and fullness of your life be always with you because of her. Love and hugs from NC.

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